asked the Taoiseach the percentage increases since 1955 in (1) industrial workers' wages (2) agricultural workers' wages and (3) old age pensions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages and Pensions Increases.
6.
(a) Between the December quarter of 1955 and the December quarter of 1961 the index of average weekly earnings of industrial workers employed in transportable goods industries increased by 33.8 per cent.
(b) The minimum rates at present payable to agricultural workers are those prescribed under the Agricultural Wages (Minimum Rates) Order, 1961, which came into operation on 30th October, 1961. The minimum weekly rates prescribed under this Order for males aged 20 years and over represent an average increase of 27.5 per cent. on the corresponding rates prescribed in the Order which came into operation on 12 September, 1955.
(c) Since December, 1955 the rates of Non-contributory Old Age Pensions have been increased by 6/-, representing a 25 per cent. increase in the maximum rate and an increase of 66.7 per cent. in the minimum rate.